Mayor suggests councilman should resign after latest blunder

GONZALES - The mayor suggested a councilman should resign after a controversy involving politicking near voting precincts on election day.

Timothy Vessel was issued a misdemeanor summons for riding a tricycle around town and violating the 600 foot zone around voting precincts where politicking is not allowed.

"[He] should have known better. Without a doubt, should have known better," Gonzales Mayor Barney Arceneaux said Wednesday after learning of the incidents. "If there was any right thing to do, I think the gentleman should probably resign."

Vessel and another councilman, Gary Lacombe, face a recall election on Dec. 6th. The signs attached to the tricycle were not for Tuesday's election but pertained to the recall and asked voters to deny the recall effort.

Gonzales Police said they caught Vessel too close to the polling place at city hall and East Ascension High School. Police said Vessel claimed he did not realize there was an election when they questioned him about why he was cycling so close to the polls with his signs.

"This ain't even an election year," police said Vessel told them.

Vessel's signs were seized and he will have to appear before a judge. Vessel faces a possible fine.

Vessel did not respond to requests for a comment related to this story.